Tips aid repurposing of vintage furniture

Inheriting a piece of furniture can be a blessing or a curse. Those who are willing to put a little time, effort and money into revamping it, however, might be rewarded.

Inheriting a piece of furniture can be a blessing or a curse. Those who are willing to put a little time, effort and money into revamping it, however, might be rewarded.

Imagine a reproduction Louis XV settee with a high-gloss ebony or white finish and a modern take on damask upholstery featuring bright pink and white or a polka-dot pattern in a hot hue.

"We started revamping and repurposing furniture about four years ago as newlyweds," said Allison Guenther, who with her husband, Ben, owns Haus of Antiquities & Other Curiosities in New Braunfels, Texas. Revamping a piece is not only a way to save money, but it also opens the door to endless possibilities and one-of-a-kind style, Allison Guenther said.

"You just have to decide what look you are after and go with it," she said. "We happen to think that every home needs some whimsy and a pop of color."

A few things should be considered when deciding whether to revamp a piece. If you aren't sure of the piece's value, visit an antiques dealer or experienced designer for an appraisal. Once you've ensured that you aren't about to ruin an Antiques Roadshow-worthy jaw-dropper of a treasure, check the quality.

"You need to be looking at not just the overall aesthetic, but also consider what's often hidden on the inside," said Ben Johnston, co-owner and interior designer at Avondale Design Studio in Houston. "Like the old adage suggests, 'Don't judge a book by its cover.' "

Fortunately, Johnston said, checking the integrity of the frame and its construction is easy.

First, assess the frame by grabbing onto a side or arm with one hand, and the back of the piece with the other hand.

"Do your best to flex the frame side to side," he said. "Be aggressive with it. If you hear creaking or feel a lot of movement, the frame has been compromised . . . or the corner bracing of the frame is inadequate."

You can pay to have the frame reinforced, but compare the cost to the value of the piece.

Next, check the legs to make sure they aren't wobbly, Johnston said. Finally, test the quality of the cushions.

"If they are made up of old foam, you may notice a crunchy, stiff quality or areas where the foam has worn away with use," he said. "This foam will need to be replaced and will also add to the cost."

You can have your furniture revamped by a professional or do it yourself. If you tackle the project on your own, take your time, Guenther advised.

"Most mistakes happen when people are too in a hurry to step back and find the trouble areas like paint drips or passed-over areas," she said.

But, she warned, don't be timid just because "for years we have been told not to paint antiques."

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